Let me float something here now - and I will probably post it in a dedicated thread later.
I can address your issues above - but let me do this instead - a little ahead of schedule.
I have been researching new forum software due to many outdated aspects of this software. Once considered the finest, it was purchased by a large company four years ago. And to make a very very long story short, it has been in a steady decline to a point where they have not been keeping pace with present and future advances in web technology. The newest major upgrade was just released to universal criticism - and unparalleled dissatisfaction - and cost. I was going to upgrade, but now have big time concerns.
So far I am pleased with a newer forum software called Xenforo. There are many technical improvements that I won't bore you with - other than to say it makes my job easier keeping the site secure and managing everything that needs to be managed. It runs faster, using less resources, and is just a "cleaner" and simpler look which is geared to mobile computing. And it allows for much improved systems to help new people find us when using Google and other search engines.
But the main plus for us appears to be a very slick photo uploading and resizing feature. It allows for a simple drag and drop of any photos right into a post and "bam" it's there - unbelievably fast and easy. Of course there are some differences with the layout, etc, but all in all I think it would be a considerable improvement.
I am aware no one likes change - but it is inevitable. I can keep things as is and keep fielding and correcting security problems and other bugs, but eventually things will get buggier and glitches will happen that will be difficult to keep addressing. And the support team I ask questions of is becoming less and less helpful.
So my question to all of you is - "Do I have your support and willingness to learn a few new ways of doing things if it means an all around much better viewing and posting experience???" And this would also be a solution to any of the issues you are experiencing.